Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1887-04-28

"In his fury the banker had said that
he was neither 20 speak to nor see her.
He had not said not write, and Eva wrote
TO him.
Oae day she came to me, her manner
very excited.
"Halbert's letters had been SO very
cheerful that she had mistrusted them.
She had guessed that to save her pain he
was deceiving her, and by another source
had obtained information about him.
"She has learned that he was suffering
from poverty; also was i'll from despair.
A bankers clerk is always a bankers
clerk employment was at hand to pro-
cure them as now, especially when one
has not a character; and Jaffrey Marston
had refused one to Halbert Fortescue.
"Nelly,' said Eva, her eyes sparkling,
4 have resolved to 20 to him
"You, Eva?
"Yes. My father is wrong; he is OBJ
stinate. He loves me too we'll, however,
to let me suffer; am the cause Of Hal
bert's dismissal when 1 am his wife dear
papa will forgive for my sake; know
he will He will sec, then. that | can only
be happy with Halbert.'
~ tried to persuade her, though !
thought very possibly she was right
Jaffrey Marston was not likely to discard
a child who was as the apple of his eye.
"The next day Eva was missing she
had gone to join Halbert.
II will not IN Ike too long a story, Jack;
suffice it that we were wrong IN our read
ing of Jafery Marston's nature; stern
pride, obstiuacy, self-esteem, dominated
the softer feelings. There seemed no
middle course in his disposition. He cast
of Eva as resolutely as he had discharged
her husband.
'The letter she wrote he returned op-
ened, saying that he preferred to read
them, to show what little effect they had
upon him.
"At last, after long silence, the last
letter came. The old butler WHO took it
to the banker could not resist waiting
behind the portiere, hopeful of news of
Eva.
The banker reau; then he was heard
10 azc!2lW.
Z" She will write no more, bat will pray
once more to look on me before she dies.
All! we shall seer and, inclosing the let
ter, he directed it back.
One evening, month later, there was
knock Mt the door. Tho footman,
opening it, beheld Eva standing there
poorly dressed in black.
"HOw wan and thin was her beautiful
face; yet what spiritual expression
clothed it! In her arms she carried her
baby girl.
"The servants had been commanded not
TO admit her, but there was not one who
would have obeyed. SO, when she enquired
for her father the footman respectfully
pointed to the study. The calm, peculiar
expression still on her features, Eva
entered She did not close the door, the
footman peeped through, the banker was
seated by the Gre reading.
"He looked up at her entrance, then
spraug to his feet; but as he gazed into
her face he dropped back again, speech
less.
Eva went on and knelt on the rug be
fore him.
Father she said, 'Halbert is dead r
dead from fighting the bitter world for
my sake and my heart is broken
HE made no sign, but gasred as he
stared at her. Gently she laid the child
on the rug, and added:
"Papa, love little Eva for my sake. ]
said / would look once on you before l
died / have. Papa, forgive, as forgive
say leaning her check on his knee,
Heaven bless your
"Then Jaffrey Marston leaped up with
great cry, raised her ON to couch,
wildly summoned the household, dis
patched them here and there for aid, and
sent for the best physician. All was to 70
purpose it was too late-and before an
hour Eva was dead.
"And that Jack" l concluded gravely,
SIS tho grandfather OF her With whom
you, penniless artist, have fallen IN
love-
Jack looked grave. too, but was silent
"Welly' l queried.
Pm very sorry for Ja6ery Merston,
aunt" he answered, rising; but l shall
take my chance"
You forget it may be Eya's chance al
SO, said, almost severely.
And you, aunt, forget that Miss Fortes'
cue may not care that for me- swapping
his fingers.
Looking at the bright, handsome young
fellow, | felt justified in doubling. / said
however, maliciously;
There is ono comfort so pretty Slrl
is not likely to be uuengrged rs it is
L saw MS lAtt ian bt'N az - %
minute smiled, took his hat, and say
ing, That's to be seen starte OF on
the track OF his inamora,a.
One evening, when returning home
alone, ms l passed the Villa Montinari
the residence rented by Jafery Marston'
hearing the whisper of voices l looked
and beheld among the orange trees two
figures male and female.
4 second glance told me they were Jack
and Eva. His arm was round her waist,
and her head rested on his bosom. need
cd no explanation; l knew the Rubieon
had been passed.
How is this pretty Eya's love affair to
ends' l thought, hurrying on, almost
uer-ous to be in thevicinity of the lovers
"Is il to be another tragedy
was aroused by the sound of a step
approaching; raising my eyes, l beheld
JetIery Marston What possessed me |
SAINT tell but l stopped when he stopped,
and said:
Mr. Marstou, are YOU aware what has
been going on between Miss Fortesque and
my nephew